U.S. patent number 8,606,092 [Application Number 12/990,748] was granted by the patent office on 2013-12-10 for controlling the operation of an electrically heated water tank.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Proximotech Ltd.. The grantee listed for this patent is Ran Amiran, Oren Graiver. Invention is credited to Ran Amiran, Oren Graiver.
United States Patent |
8,606,092 |
Amiran , et al. |
December 10, 2013 |
Controlling the operation of an electrically heated water tank
Abstract
A system for controlling the operation of the electric heating
element in a water tank. The system comprises a temperature sensor
in the water tank connected to a main control unit. User
preferences related to hot water supply are inputted via a friendly
user interface and the main control unit controls the operation of
the heating element in the water tank to supply hot water according
to the user preferences with minimal energy consumption.
Inventors: |
Amiran; Ran (Tel-Aviv,
IL), Graiver; Oren (Petach Tikva, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Amiran; Ran
Graiver; Oren |
Tel-Aviv
Petach Tikva |
N/A
N/A |
IL
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
Proximotech Ltd.
(IL)
|
Family
ID: |
41377675 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/990,748 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2009 |
PCT
Filed: |
May 20, 2009 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/IL2009/000501 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
November 02, 2010 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2009/144710 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
December 03, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20110044671 A1 |
Feb 24, 2011 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/441;
237/8A |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24D
19/1051 (20130101); F24H 9/2021 (20130101); F24D
17/0031 (20130101); F24D 2200/08 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47J
31/54 (20060101); F24D 19/10 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;392/308,441,449,451
;219/482,483,490-494,507-510 ;236/20R,25R ;237/8R,8A,8B |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
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1840479 |
|
Oct 2007 |
|
EP |
|
0235154 |
|
May 2002 |
|
WO |
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2006096075 |
|
Sep 2006 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
Office Action for application 191719 issued by the Israeli Patent
Office dated Jan. 16, 2012. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Paik; Sang
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Feigelson; Daniel
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A water tank comprising: a heater disposed within a container; a
learning module arranged to learn characteristics of operation of
the water tank by measuring the water temperature in the water tank
at predefined time intervals and in predefined locations in the
water tank, for assessing deteriorating efficiency of the water
tank and predicting the duration for water to reach a desired
temperature; a user preference module arranged to receive from a
user respective requirements associated with at least one of:
desired hour of hot water use; desired temperature of the hot
water; desired amount of hot water; and duration of the hot water
use; and a heater control unit arranged to operate the heater in a
specified heating pattern over time based at least partially on the
user requirements and the characteristics of operation of the water
tank, such that electricity consumption of the heater is
reduced.
2. The water tank according to claim 1, further comprising one or
more temperature sensors disposed in specified locations within the
container in operative association with the learning module which
is further arranged to deduce at least some of the characteristics
of operation of the water tank by measuring temperature in one or
more locations over time in view of a specified operating pattern
of the heater.
3. The water tank according to claim 1, further comprising a
graphical user interface arranged to present the user with an
estimated time for meeting the user requirements based on the
characteristics of operation of the water tank and current water
temperature.
4. The water tank according to claim 1, wherein the specified
pattern of operating the heater by the heater control unit exhibit
a dynamic duty cycle in which the duty cycle is based on at least
one of: the characteristics of operation of the water tank, current
water temperature, and user requirements.
5. The water tank according to claim 1, further comprising a user
behavior module arranged to learn the user's usage patterns of the
water tank, wherein the heater control unit is arranged to further
base the specified pattern at least partially on the user's usage
patterns.
6. A method comprising: learning characteristics of operation of a
water tank comprising a heater disposed within a container by
measuring the water temperature in the water tank at predefined
time intervals and in predefined locations in the water tank, for
assessing deteriorating efficiency of the water tank and predicting
the duration for water to reach a desired temperature; receiving
from a user respective requirements associated with at least one
of: desired hour of hot water use; desired temperature of the hot
water; desired amount of hot water; and duration of the hot water
use; and operating the heater in a specified heating pattern over
time based at least partially on the user requirements and the
characteristics of operation of the water tank, such that
electricity consumption of the heater is reduced.
7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising deducing at
least some of the characteristics of operation of the water tank by
measuring temperature in one or more locations over time in view of
a specified operating pattern of the heater.
8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising presenting
an estimated time for meeting the user requirements based on the
characteristics of operation of the water tank and current water
temperature.
9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising learning the
user's usage patterns of the water tank, wherein the specified
pattern is based at least partially on the user's usage
patterns.
10. A computer program product comprising a computer readable
storage medium having a computer readable program embodied
therewith, the computer readable program being configured to (a)
learn characteristics of operation of a water tank comprising a
heater disposed within a container by measuring the water
temperature in the water tank at predefined time intervals and in
predefined locations in the water tank, for assessing deteriorating
efficiency of the water tank and predicting the duration for water
to reach a desired temperature; (b) receive from a user respective
requirements associated with at least one of: desired hour of hot
water use; desired temperature of the hot water; desired amount of
hot water; and duration of the hot water use; and (c) operate the
heater in a specified heating pattern over time based at least
partially on the user requirements and the characteristics of
operation of the water tank, such that electricity consumption of
the heater is reduced.
11. A system for controlling the operation of an electric heating
element in a water tank, said system comprising: at least one
temperature sensor in said water tank; a main control unit arranged
to receive water temperature measurements from said at least one
temperature sensor and to control the operation of said electric
heating element, said main control unit comprising: a learning
module arranged to learn characteristics of operation of the water
tank by analyzing temperature measurements from the at least one
temperature sensor in specific intervals over a specified period of
time in view of an operating time of the heating element; and learn
water tank usage patterns by tracing previous usage patterns, over
a specified period of time; a user interface configured to allow a
user to input preferences relating to hot water supply and
configured to display information relating to the temperature of
the water in said water tank; a control application configured to
activate said electric heating element according to user
preferences and said water temperature measurements, wherein said
control application is configured to operate the heating elements
such that it minimizes the energy consumption of said water tank
based on the characteristics of operation of the water tank and the
usage pattern of the water tank.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising temperature control
circuitry associated with said temperature sensor and with said
main control unit, said temperature control circuitry arranged to
transmit temperature measurements from the temperature sensor to
the main control unit over a communication link.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein said main control unit is
coupled to said temperature sensor via a communication link and
wherein said communication link utilizes power line
communication.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein said control application is
coupled to said electric heating element via a communication link
and wherein said communication link utilizes power line
communication.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein said user uses said user
interface via at least one of the following: A USB interface, a
wire line (LAN) network, a wireless (WLAN) network, a cellular
interface, Bluetooth technology, Ethernet.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein said user uses said user
interface via SMS commands.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein said main control unit is
further configured to monitor changing characteristics of operation
of said water tank.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein said main control unit further
comprises a water supply module arranged to control at least one of
the following indicators: amounts of incoming and outgoing water
into and from said water tank, water stand in said water tank,
operation of faucets associated with said water tank, a combination
thereof.
19. An apparatus for controlling the operation of an electric
heating element in a water tank, said apparatus comprising: a
learning module arranged to: take temperature measurements at
specific time intervals over a specified period of time from at
least one temperature sensor in said water tank; and learn
characteristics of operation of said water tank by analyzing said
temperature measurements; a user interface configured to allow a
user to input preferences relating to hot water supply; and a
control application configured to activate said electric heating
element according to user preferences, said water temperature
measurements, and said characteristics of operation of said water
tank; wherein said control application is configured to operate the
heating element such that it minimizes the energy consumption of
said water tank.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a national stage application claiming priority
to international patent application No. PCT/IL2009/000501 filed on
May 20, 2009 which in turn claimed priority to Israeli patent
Application No. 191719 filed on May 26, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of energy use.
More particularly, the present invention relates to reducing
electric power consumption in water heating systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Residential hot water tanks equipped with means for controlling the
heating process for all kind of purposes are known in the art. In
some hot water tanks, the heating is controlled to avoid
electricity failure and to maintain constant supply of hot water.
In other hot water tanks, the heating is controlled based on user
supplied requirements associated with, for example, specified hours
of operation. In the last few years, the design of reduced power
consumption electrical appliances, specifically power hungry
devices such as hot water tanks, has become an ongoing
challenge.
SUMMARY
The present invention discloses a system for controlling the
operation of an electric heating element in a water tank. The
system comprises at least one temperature sensor in the water tank
arranged to measure water temperature inside the water tank, and a
main control unit arranged to receive water temperature
measurements from the temperature sensor and arranged to control
the operation of the electric heating element. The main control
unit comprises a user interface configured to allow a user to input
preferences relating to hot water supply and configured to display
information relating to the temperature of the water in the water
tank, and a control application configured to activate the electric
heating element according to user preferences and the water
temperature measurements. The control application is configured to
minimize the energy consumption of the water tank.
The present invention further discloses a method for reducing the
consumption of electricity while supplying heated water from a
water tank with an electric heating element. The method comprises:
(i) measuring water temperature in the water tank in predefined
intervals and predefined locations in the water tank; (ii) defining
user preferences of heated water supply; (iii) utilizing the
measured water temperature to calculate the minimal consumption of
electricity required to fulfill the defined user preferences; and
(iv) controlling the operation of the electric heating element
according to the calculated minimal consumption of electricity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The subject matter regarded as the invention will become more
clearly understood in light of the ensuing description of
embodiments herein, given by way of example and for purposes of
illustrative discussion of the present invention only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings (Figures, or simply
"FIGS."), wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling the
operation of an electric heating element in a water tank, according
to some embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main control unit of the
system for controlling the operation of an electric heating element
in a water tank, according to some embodiments of the
invention.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for reducing the
consumption of electricity while supplying heated water from a
water tank with an electric heating element, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for reducing the
consumption of electricity while supplying heated water from a
water tank with an electric heating element, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system for controlling several water
tank systems, according to some embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses an intelligent and efficient
control unit for either electrical or solar water tanks (boilers),
incorporating friendly and intuitive user interface for the
following purposes: Presenting the temperature of the water in the
tank. Controlling the operation of the electric heating element.
Efficient water heating capabilities for a specified usage,
preventing excess power consumption and hence save energy.
Preventing waste of water when checking to see if hot water are
available by running water through the faucet. Acting as a safety
gauge to prevent burns that may be caused by extremely hot water.
Adaptive prediction capabilities of heating periods for water to
reach required temperature. Learning the usage habits for a
user-free system activation by a hands free artificial intelligent
mechanism with an automatic user usage habit learning algorithm
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling the
operation of an electric heating element 185 in a water tank 180,
according to some embodiments of the invention. The water tank 180
is equipped with a temperature sensor 110 connected via a
temperature control circuitry 190 to a main control unit 100. The
temperature sensor 110 is fitted on top of the existing water tank
thermometer without any affect to its normal operation and safety
role. The main control unit 100 is connected to the heating element
185 in the water tank 180, receives water temperature measurements
from the temperature sensor 110, and controls the operation of the
heating element 185 according to the measured temperature and the
user's preferences. The main control unit 100, the heating element
185, the temperature sensor 110 and the temperature control
circuitry 190 may be connected to each other via a communication
link or per wires or a combination of these connection forms. The
main control unit 100 comprises a user interface 101 and a control
application 150.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the user interface
101 comprises a user interface application 140 controlling a
display 120 presenting e.g. temperature data 122 relating to the
water temperature in the water tank, settings 124 of the system and
of user preferences and operation data 126 of the water tank,
heating element 110, faucets etc. The user interface application
140 may further control an audio component 128 for delivering
information, warnings and indications as sounds or messages. The
user interface 101 may further comprise operation buttons 130
allowing the user to set operation times, define target
temperatures, program the system etc. The user interface 101 is
configured to allow a user to input preferences relating to hot
water supply and to display information relating to the temperature
of the water in the water tank.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the control
application 150 receives temperature measurements from the
temperature sensor 110 via the temperature control circuitry 190
and control the electric heating element 185. The control
application 150 configured to activate the electric heating element
110 according to user preferences inputted via the user interface
101, according the water temperature measurements and according to
optimization algorithms. The control application 150 may be
configured to minimize the energy consumption of the water tank
180.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the main control
unit 100 further comprises a database 160 holding records of user
preferences and data related to the operation of the water tank
180. The control application 150 may use data from the database 160
to optimize the operation of the water tank 180, report changing
characteristics of operation of the tank 180 (e.g. deteriorating
efficiency) and learn patterns of usage and habits of the user that
may contribute to the automatization of water tank operation.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the main control
unit 100 may be located at an imminent visible location within the
house (House entrance, leaving room, Kitchen, etc.). The main
control unit 100 may comprise a remotely sensing unit installed
within the water heating tank. The main control unit may be
connected to the remotely sensing unit via a communication
link.
According to some embodiments of the invention, communication links
in the system (e.g. between some or all of the following: the main
control unit 100, the remotely sensing unit, the heating element
185, the temperature sensor 110, the temperature control circuitry
190) may utilize power line communication technologies allowing
communication over power lines.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the temperature
sensor circuitry 190 may be enclosed in a unified structured
element, build in a `sleeve` layout pinned on top of existing
safety mechanical thermometer.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the main control
unit may comprise a microcontroller and a heavy duty Bi-poll
switching device.
According to some embodiments of the invention, multiple
temperature sensors 110 may be installed in different locations
within the water tank 180. The temperature sensor 110 may be
installed within the existing thermometer housing in addition to
the current thermometer, without any affect on current
functionality.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main control unit 100 of
the system for controlling the operation of an electric heating
element 185 in a water tank 180, according to some embodiments of
the invention. In addition to the elements described in FIG. 1, the
main control unit 100 may further comprise a controls (input
output--I/O) unit 170 with several modules. A water supply module
172 may receive data such as amounts of incoming and outgoing water
into and from the water tank 180, water stand in the water tank
180, operation of faucets. The water supply module 172 may further
control the operation of faucets related to the water tank 180. A
heating element module 174 may control the activation of the
electric heating element 185. A temperature module 176 may receive
data from the temperature sensor 110 inside the water tank, from an
array of temperature sensors in the water tank 180 or from
temperature sensors outside the water tank 180. A power module 178
may control the power supplied to the water tank 180 and regulate
the intensity of its operation. A communication module 179 may
allow external sources to connect to the main control system 100
e.g. for retrieving or providing data, and via a physical
connection or a communication link to different sources.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the communication
module 179 may support any of the following interfaces, that may be
used to configure and control the control unit 100 from a home
personal computer or a laptop: A USB interface, a wire line (LAN)
network, a wireless (WLAN) network, a cellular interface. The
cellular interface may be based on SMS commands by a remote
authorized user, where the user can send
activation/De-activation/Programming commands via SMS indication in
the following manner:<User> <Password> <Command
(1-Single/2-Continues)> <Temperature> (Example: Richard
12345 1 50).
According to some embodiments of the invention, the control
application 150 in the main control unit 100 may comprise a real
time control module 152, a computing element 154, an analogue to
digital circuitry 156 and a learning module 157 implementing a
learning algorithm for learning user preferences and habits.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the water in the
water tank 180 is heated via accurate control mechanism to specific
pre-defined temperature levels using a friendly, easy to operate,
control panel in the user interface 101. Once the water reaches
desired temperature level, the heating element 185 is halted. An
audio/visual indication is provided to indicate water reached
desired temperature level and hence, ready for use. In case warm
water consumption is postponed; user can choose operation mode,
either the control unit 100 will intermittently activate the
heating element 185 to preserve desired water temperature (without
over heating) or to halt operation. This reduces the amount of
energy invested in the water heating process as the user can choose
the level of water temperature to be heated and thus save energy
invested in unnecessary water heating not being consumed. The
heating element 185 will be stopped once water reached required
bathing/dish-washing temperature, while in current system the water
are usually heated to a much higher temperature. In case the user
does not consume the hot water immediately, the system 100 can (if
instructed to do so) preserve desired water temperature level
without excess heating.
According to some embodiments of the invention, water temperature
may be set via the user interface 101, and the system provides an
audio or visual indication once the water reached desired
temperature level. According to some embodiments of the invention,
the system may allow the user to set a daily timer to predefined
daily heating periods and may use an algorithm to estimate time
remaining for the water heating system In the tank to reach the
desired temperature. According to some embodiments of the
invention, the system may include indication of time and date,
pre-defined operation intervals may be set for hot water pre-heat
within intra day, daily or weekly ranges. The system may further
support remote management and control capabilities via one of the
following interfaces: Mobile GSM module--Short Message response
(SMS) activation mechanism, Ethernet PHY--Control by IP technology
of a computerized element, WLAN--Activation by IP technology of a
computerized element or Bluetooth--for the purpose of control by a
Bluetooth enabled device. Different embodiments may be provided to
the user as alternative, upgradeable options.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the display 120 may
comprise a LED based display or an LCD based display (Numerical and
Graphical display) of the current water tank temperature, the
desired or target tank temperature, and indication of the status of
the heating element (On/Off) and a desired water temperature
`Ready` indication. The operation buttons 130 may comprise and
"Off" button, buttons for adjusting the desired temperature
adjustment (Up/Down), and buttons for single and continuous (water
temperature preserving) operation.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the display 120 may
comprise a LED and an LCD based display. The LCD based display may
show the current water tank temperature, the desired or target tank
temperature, and indication of the status of the heating element
(On/Off) and a desired water temperature `Ready` indication, the
time for water to reach defined `set` temperature. The display 120
may further comprise a 7 segment/LCD display for `Hour: Minutes`.
The operation buttons 130 may comprise and "Off" button, buttons
for adjusting the desired temperature adjustment (Up/Down), and
buttons for single and continuous (water temperature preserving)
operation, as well as daily timer set buttons.
According to some embodiments of the invention the display 120 may
present data graphically. The data may be displayed in different
levels of details and simplification.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the display 120 may
comprise an illuminated LCD based showing any combination of the
following: The current water tank temperature, the desired or
target tank temperature, and indication of the status of the
heating element (On/Off) and a desired water temperature `Ready`
indication, the time for water to reach defined `set` temperature,
time and day, an indication of programs and program details. The
display 120 may further comprise indications for GSM signal
reception, online indication, provider brand, SMS notification and
remote activation; as well as an Ethernet/WLAN connection
indication. The operation buttons 130 may comprise and "Off"
button, buttons for adjusting the desired temperature adjustment
(Up/Down), and buttons for single and continuous (water temperature
preserving) operation, as well as daily timer set buttons. The
operation buttons 130 may comprise means for date and time
adjustment, a programming keypad and a toggle for inputting the
desired water temperature and/or the current environment
temperature. The user interface 101 may further comprise a module
allowing remote control, e.g. programming and notifications via SMS
or the web. A server may be connected to the main control unit 100
via a communication link and allow user to control the operation of
the system (e.g. for providing hot water at the time a user reaches
home).
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for reducing the
consumption of electricity while supplying heated water from a
water tank with an electric heating element, according to some
embodiments of the invention. The method comprises the steps:
Installing at least one temperature sensor in the water tank (step
200). Allowing a user to input desired output of hot water (step
210). Controlling the heating element and water input to the tank
(step 220). Learning patterns of hot water use (step 230).
Optimizing the supply of hot water and consumption of electricity
(step 240).
According to some embodiments of the invention, the user may input
user preferences (step 210) by setting the required temperature and
pressing an activation button for a single activation. Controlling
the heating element (step 220) may comprise activating the heating
element until the desired temperature is reached and stopping the
heating element. An audio or visual indication may be provided to
the user upon stopping.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the user may input
user preferences (step 210) by setting the required temperature and
pressing an activation button for continuous activation.
Controlling the heating element (step 220) may comprise activating
the heating element until the desired temperature is reached and
stopping the heating element (plus providing an audio or visual
indication to the user). Controlling the heating element (step 220)
in a continuous activation mode may further comprise preserving the
water temperature within a desired range.
According to some embodiments of the invention, controlling the
heating element and water input to the tank (step 220) may comprise
in water heating systems with a large number of water tanks
automatically controlling the faucets to the tanks. In a system
with partial solar heating optimizing the supply of hot water and
consumption of electricity (step 240) may comprise controlling
water circulation flow from the external solar system in relation
to the relation between water temperature in the solar heated tanks
and water temperature in the electrically heated tanks.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for reducing the
consumption of electricity while supplying heated water from a
water tank with an electric heating element, according to some
embodiments of the invention. The method comprises the steps:
Measuring the water temperature in the water tank (step 250) in
predefined intervals and pre defined location in the water tank.
Defining the user preferences relating to supplying of heated water
(step 260). Calculating the minimal consumption of electricity
required to fulfill the defined user preferences (step 270),
utilizing the measured water temperature. Controlling the operation
of the electric heating element according to the calculated minimal
consumption of electricity (step 280).
According to some embodiments of the invention, defining user
preferences relating to the supplying of heated water (step 260)
may be carried out by defining an expected usage time, a
destination temperature, and an expected amount of water.
According to some embodiments of the invention, said calculating
the minimal consumption of electricity (step 270) comprises
calculating the most effective hysteresis of water temperature in
conjunction with water volume and heating element capacity, and
adjusting the activation and deactivation of the heating element
185 accordingly. The method may further calculate the time left for
reaching a predefined water temperature.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the water in the
heating tank is heated via accurate control mechanism to specific
pre-defined temperature levels using a friendly, easy to operate,
control panel (UI). Once the water reaches the desired temperature
level, the heating element is halted. An audio/visual indication is
provided to indicate that water ahs reached the desired temperature
level and hence, ready for use. In case warm water consumption is
postponed, the user can choose the operation mode: Either the
control unit will intermittently activate the heating element to
preserve the desired water temperature (without over heating) or
halt its operation. The invention reduces the amount of energy
invested in the water heating process. The user can choose the
level of water temperature to be heated and thus save energy
invested in un-necessary water heating not being consumed. The
heating mechanism will be stopped once water reached required
bathing/dish-washing temperature, while in current system the water
are usually heated to a much higher temperature. In case the user
does not consume hot water immediately; temperatures control system
can (if instructed to do so) preserve desired water temperature
level without excess heating. Artificial intelligent algorithms
learn user habits, predicts when the water will be ready and thus
improves time planning. Algorithms may pre-warm water according to
time and hot water planning. Algorithms may be applied for
predicting the duration for water to reach a desired
temperature.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the following items
are the main incentive for using the system for controlling the
operation of an electric heating element 185 in a water tank 180:
Massive reduction in electricity consumption by using the system to
control the tank heating element which is a major energy consumer
within a domestic environment (versus prior art in which usually
the heating element is uncontrolled and managed and thus its
operation is inefficient e.g. houses, coffee shops, small
businesses, etc.). Provide safer environment for family members,
especially children, employees in small businesses and guests
(restaurants, coffee shops, hair salons, barber's shops, etc.). The
"Are there enough hot water for a decent shower?" question is
eliminated, the user interface 101 will indicate the temperature of
the water in the tank 180. Household member can see via the user
interface 101 if water temperature is suited for ones needs, and
only if not, consequent action can be made to heat the water in the
tank 180. Water heating process is much more efficient, hot water
can be heated to cover following cases and much more (given
temperatures in this paragraphs are averages over the whole volume
of the water tank 180): Washing dishes--Moderate heat (20.degree.
C.) is applied to heat the water to an intermediate level suitable
for washing the dishes, house cleaning, etc. Short shower--about
30.degree. C., minimum heating time of the immediate "high water
area of the tank" Baby bath--about 25.degree. C., Accurate water
heating to a specified temperature suitable to bath babies. Long
shower--about 50.degree. C., The overall water capacity is heated
to provide a long relaxing shower.
According to some embodiments, the invention is a new way to
graphically display the water temperature in a water tank (boiler)
and comprises a unique algorithm to predict heating duration for
water to reach desired water temperature as well as a unique
algorithm to auto-learn user water heating and shower habits and
thus heating water to desired temperature on desired time of the
day or week. The invention accomplishes friendly interface,
knowledge of the temperature in the tank of solar/electrical water
tanks, as well as significant savings in electricity and water due
to prevention of excessive electricity use when over heating and
when physically checking availability of hot water by running water
through the faucet.
According to some embodiments, the invention comprises algorithms
for learning user habits and for identifying activation and usage
and for assessing the heating time left. The graphical display may
present and let set usage types such as baby shower, dish washing,
etc. Artificial intelligence may be utilized to learn user bathing
habits and operate the heating process accordingly. Operating the
heating process comprises planning the time slots during which the
water should be warmed and the desired temperature at the end of
each slot (e.g. Morning 06:00 AM 60.degree. C., Evening 22:00 PM
40.degree. C.).
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system for controlling several water
tank systems 300, according to some embodiments of the invention.
Each water tank system 300 comprises a water tank with a heating
element 310, a temperature sensor 320 and a faucet controller 330.
Each of the systems is controlled by a local control unit 350
reading the temperature measurements and controlling the heating
element and faucets of the respective water tank system. The local
control units 350 are controlled by a general control unit 400
comprising a user interface 410, a control application 420 and a
database 430. The general control unit 400 is configured to allow
users to minimize the energy consumption of a whole group of water
tank systems 300, associated e.g. with managed large apartment
buildings. The general control unit 400 may utilize interface and
control elements similar to those disclosed for the main control
unit 100.
In the above description, an embodiment is an example or
implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one
embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not
necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.
Although various features of the invention may be described in the
context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided
separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the
invention may be described herein in the context of separate
embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a
single embodiment.
Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an
embodiment", "one embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiments is included in at least some
embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the
inventions.
It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive
purpose only.
The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention
may be better understood with reference to the accompanying
description, figures and examples.
It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not
construe a limitation to an application of the invention.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be
carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can
be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the
description above.
It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer
to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not be construed that
there is only one of that element.
It is to be understood that where the specification states that a
component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might",
"can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature,
structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.
Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both
may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited
to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For
example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state,
or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.
Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing
or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof,
selected steps or tasks.
The term "method" may refer to manners, means, techniques and
procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not
limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either
known to, or readily developed from known manners, means,
techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the
invention belongs.
The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the
claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting
but rather as illustrative only.
Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be
commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.
The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice
with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described
herein.
While the invention has been described with respect to a limited
number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations
on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of
some of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will
envision other possible variations, modifications, and applications
that are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far
been described, but by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
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